French cinema tried to hide its violence against women. At Cannes, we’re calling it out

Rokhaya Diallo (front row, fourth from right) with actor-director Judith Godrèche (centre) and cast and crew members of Moi Aussi at the Cannes film festival, 15 May 2024. Photograph: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

The 77th Cannes film festival reaches its climax on Saturday when all eyes will be on the Croisette, as the winners of the prestigious Palme d’Or are announced. Hollywood greats such as Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda and Greta Gerwig have been in town, but this year, I found myself on the red carpet, hand in hand with some of the most courageous women in the business.

Behind the facade of movie-star glamour and fashionable edge, there are burning issues that have been agitating the grande famille du cinéma in France for years – but have been kept out of sight. The Cannes festival, as a symbol of the French film establishment, can no longer shy away from them.